This article explains how to update an Echo Dot, including how to receive automatic updates and how to manually update an Echo Dot.

What to Know

  • Echo Dots are designed to update automatically.To update manually: Make sure your Echo Dot is on and connected to the internet, press the mute button, and wait for it to update.Your Echo Dot may fail to update if the internet connection is poor.

How Do I Update Echo Dot Software?

Under normal circumstances, your Echo Dot will update its software automatically from time to time. However, a number of things can cause an update to fail, or a Dot to not update itself right away when an update becomes available. If you suspect your Echo Dot needs an update, you can force it to update. 

Here’s how to manually update an Echo Dot:

  • Make sure your Echo Dot is on, connected to your Wi-Fi network, and connected to the internet.
  • Use an Alexa command like, “Alexa, what time is it?” to verify it’s on and connected.
  • Press the mute button.
  • Verify the ring light turns red, or the mute button turns red.
  • Wait for the Echo Dot to update.
  • If the Dot is already fully updated, it won’t update.

Does My Echo Update Automatically?

Echo Dot is designed to update automatically, as long as it’s connected to the internet and isn’t busy with another task. If your Echo Dot is in a noisy environment where it constantly has to determine whether or not someone is addressing it, or it’s constantly in use playing music, activating smart home devices, and performing other tasks, it may experience difficulties performing automatic updates.

Make sure your Echo Dot is on, connected to your Wi-Fi network, and connected to the internet.

Use an Alexa command like, “Alexa, what time is it?” to verify it’s on and connected.

Press the mute button.

Verify the ring light turns red, or the mute button turns red.

Wait for the Echo Dot to update.

If the Dot is already fully updated, it won’t update.

An Echo Dot also can’t update itself if it isn’t connected to the internet, so a spotty or weak internet connection can prevent updates. An update can also fail for a number of other reasons, so manually updating an Echo Dot is sometimes necessary.

Does An Echo Dot Need to be Updated?

Here’s how to check if your Echo Dot needs an update:

Click Settings.

Click your Echo Dot in the list of your devices.

Scroll down to the About section, and look at the Device software version.

Navigate to the Alexa Device Software Versions site, and check the latest software version for your Echo Dot.

If your Echo Dot has an older version installed, it needs an update.

It depends on the strength of your Wi-Fi signal and your internet speed, but it can take up to 15 minutes to complete the firmware update.

To update your Wi-Fi settings or change Wi-Fi networks on your Echo Dot, open the Alexa App and go to Devices > Echo & Alexa and choose your device. Tap your Wi-Fi network, then tap Change next to Wi-Fi Network.

There could be a few reasons why your Echo device appears offline. There could an issue with your Wi-Fi, or your Echo may be too far from the router. You may also need to update the Alexa app on your phone.

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